Best baby formula in the UK: Parent-approved picks for 2025
It’s worth remembering that, for the most part, there are no significant nutritional differences between budget and premium formula brands. While there are some subtle variations in the amounts of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) present in baby formulas, legally all infant formula milk must contain key macronutrients including protein, fat (sesame seed and cotton seed oils are prohibited), linoleic acid or LA (omega 6), alpha-linolenic acid or ALA (omega 3), docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (omega 3), and carbohydrates (in the form of lactose, maltose, sucrose, glucose, glucose syrup, malto-dextrins and others).
Best baby formula for 2025: The Women’s Health verdict
The best baby formula is one that is affordable to you, easy to get hold of and agrees with your baby’s tummy. Whether you opt for organic baby formula, goats’ milk formula or something else, you want it to be a formula that can easily fit into the parenting juggle.
We tested ten different baby formulas for specific needs and found that SMA Little Steps is a fantastic all-rounder, offering excellent value for money and quality ingredients. Nannycare was a standout goats’ milk formula, while the HiPP Organic pre-mixed formula was a clear favourite for ease of use when out and about.
” data-next-head/>
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
How we tested the best baby formula
To bring you our list of the best baby formula available in the UK, we took a deep dive into the ingredients to see exactly what goes into every brand.
We then looked at everything from value for money to ease of preparation, how simple the packaging was to open and close (particularly one-handed), and how well the formulas satisfied little tummies.
Mixing up bottles of each formula to test its consistency, we also looked at how well the formula flowed through teats. We then consulted real parents’ experiences with formulas for bubs with special dietary needs, colic concerns or fussy tummies.
Finally, we consulted Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Leah Oladitan to get her thoughts on the formulas and some helpful information about paediatric nutrition.
The ones on our list all got the thumbs-up from mums and dads.
10 best baby formulas to shop now
Best formula for newborns
SMA First Infant Baby Powder Formula
Pros
- Includes probiotics to encourage good bacteria in baby’s gut
- Choice of tin size
- Also available in pre-mixed milk formula for on-the-go
Cons
- Not organic ingredients
With over 100 years of experience in baby formula research and development, SMA provides a reassuring choice for parents. Its First Infant Baby Powder Formula is an excellent all-rounder, featuring all the nutrients a newborn needs while being kind to their delicate tummies.
We were happy to see prebiotics GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) on the ingredient list. We like that the formula is fish- and palm-oil-free and includes probiotics, too.
Probiotics are particularly helpful for newborns, RDN Leah Oladitan explained to Women’s Health, as they promote ‘the growth of good bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome contributes to better digestion, immune function and nutrient absorption.’
Many parents have raved about the formula, which has earned countless glowing reviews. One mum even went so far as to try it herself, describing the taste as ‘great.’ While we didn’t go that far in our testing, we did love that the formula was easy to mix and prepare and had a velvety texture.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based DHA (Omega 3)
No fish oil No palm oil |
| Size | 400g and 800g tins |
| Key features & performance | Halal-certified
Made in a factory using 100% renewable energy and with zero waste to landfill Features a mix of 90% GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) and 10% FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) to support a healthy gut and prevent constipation |
Best formula for breastfed babies
Holle Organic First Infant Milk
If you’re combination feeding and want to supplement your breast milk with formula, this organic option from Swiss brand Holle is an excellent choice. Using premium, nutrient-packed Demeter cows’ milk — surpassing the standard EU organic quality — the creamy formula impressed us and was easy on the tummies of breastfed babies. (It’s also available in a goats’ milk formula for added flexibility.)
We like that it comes in a cardboard box with a plastic inner lining bag, which made it easy for us to shake the last bits of formula out — no more struggling with hard-to-reach powder at the bottom of a tin.
While the box size is smaller than most standard tins and the price is a bit higher, this high-quality formula justifies the cost.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based DHA (Omega 3)
No fish oil Includes palm oil Organic ingredients |
| Size | 400g box |
| Key features & performance | Features the Demeter seal to guarantee the highest organic quality
Milk used is from biodynamic (ecologically sustainable) farms Contains around 30 meals of 100ml each |
Best formula for gassy babies
Cow & Gate Comfort
Pros
- Suitable to use from birth
- Easy-shut lid
Cons
- More expensive than standard formula
- Doesn’t work immediately
Cow & Gate Comfort formula is designed for gassy babies showing signs of colic or struggling with an unhappy gut. It features a clever mix of ingredients, including prebiotics and structured vegetable oil to manage colic and constipation — although it’s only to be used after you’ve spoken to a healthcare professional.
Parents have declared this a hero formula, helping to improve their baby’s symptoms within weeks. As RDN Leah Oladitan noted to Women’s Health, this is because it’s made with ‘partially broken-down proteins’ and ‘contains less lactose, which can help reduce symptoms like gas, providing relief for babies with sensitive tummies.’
Be aware, though: The blend of ingredients can cause looser, greener poos. While surprising at first, this is normal.
Beyond the formulation, we love the packaging’s thoughtful design. It features an easy-to-open lid (we even managed this one-handed!) and a scoop that neatly clicks into the underside of the lid for mess-free storage.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | DHA (Omega 3)
Includes fish oil Includes palm oil Reduced lactose |
| Size | 800g tub |
| Key features & performance | Halal-certified
Made with oligosaccharides, reduced lactose and partially hydrolysed whey proteins to help manage colic and constipation Can have an effect within a few weeks Talk to a GP, health visitor or midwife before using this formula |
Best cows’ milk alternative baby formula
Nannycare Goat-Milk-Based First Infant Milk
For babies with sensitive tummies or cows’ milk intolerance, a goats’ milk formula could be the way to go. Nannycare, the UK’s first goats’ milk baby formula, uses only the most essential ingredients to create a gentle, natural formula that can help with everything from constipation to gassiness.
We love the prebiotics-packed formula, which we rate for combination feeding due to its breast-milk-like consistency. Plus, the baby goat illustrations on the packaging add a charming touch.
However, the ribbed tin made it a little tricky for us to dig out the last of the formula. We suggest using a sterilised teaspoon to get to the very bottom before switching back to the scoop for measuring.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder goats’ milk formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goats’-milk-based
No palm oil No GMOs No added whey powder |
| Size | 900g tin |
| Key features & performance | Goats’ milk curds are smaller and softer than cows’ milk, making them easier to break down in digestion
Made without whey to keep it as close to natural goats’ milk as possible |
Best formula for constipation
Aptamil Comfort
Pros
- Widely available at supermarkets
- Easy-shut lid
Cons
- More expensive than some standard formulas
Even if you haven’t changed their diet, babies can get constipated — and when they do, it can be uncomfortable for them and upsetting for you. Aptamil Comfort is designed to tackle this problem and help loosen up your baby’s poos over the course of a couple of weeks.
Featuring a blend of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides, pHp and beta-palmitate, it’s a heavier formula to help with infrequent poos and colic. We found it noticeably thicker than other formulas we tested, but a good shake before feeding easily solved any issues with lumps or residue.
Because of the thicker consistency, we’d recommend using a variable- or fast-flow teat to help your baby feed comfortably without taking in excess air.
Overall, Aptamil Comfort is a ‘does what it says on the tin’ formula that’s the go-to for many parents struggling with constipated babies. As always, though, consult your healthcare provider before switching your bub to a specialist formula.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | DHA (Omega 3)
Includes fish oil Includes palm oil Reduced lactose Halal-certified |
| Size | 800g tub |
| Key features & performance | Made with oligosaccharides, reduced lactose and partially hydrolysed whey proteins to help manage colic and constipation
Talk to a GP, Health Visitor or midwife before using this formula |
Best formula for hungry babies
SMA Extra Hungry Infant Milk
Pros
- Can help to delay early-weaning
- Keeps tummies fuller for longer
Cons
- Can cause constipation with prolonged use
Some babies, especially those in the top percentiles, have appetites that can be hard to satisfy. If your baby seems constantly hungry or struggles to sleep for long without waking for a bottle, an extra-hungry formula may be worthwhile.
‘SMA Extra Hungry Infant Milk is made with more casein protein, which digests more slowly, helping your baby stay fuller for longer. It’s the slower digestion, not more calories, that helps the baby stay fuller for longer,’ RDN Leah Oladitan told us. ‘Most other formulas are mostly whey-based, which is absorbed quickly.’
We love that it’s also fish- and palm-oil-free and suitable to use from birth. (Consult your healthcare provider if you’re looking to switch your little one to a new formula.)
Similar in consistency to Aptamil Comfort, this is a thicker mix to keep babies fuller longer. During testing, we didn’t run into any issues mixing the formula into a lump-free liquid — all it needs is a good shake to dissolve fully.
Parents adore how it satisfies even the most ‘bottomless pits’ of tummies without causing discomfort, though some have noted it can cause constipation if used regularly.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based DHA (Omega 3)
No fish oil No palm oil |
| Size | 800g tin |
| Key features & performance | Halal-certified
Around 186 scoops per tin Thicker formula for hungrier bottle-fed babies Can be used for combination feeding |
Best formula for reflux
Aptamil Anti-Reflux Infant Milk Formula
Pros
- Can help reduce reflux quickly
- Easy-shut lid
Cons
- Available in only one size
- More expensive than some traditional formulas
While most babies spit up a little milk after feeding, reflux is a bigger issue. If your baby frequently regurgitates after a bottle, an anti-reflux formula could help.
Aptamil Anti-Reflux is a hard-working formula with an excellent reputation among parents who’ve been through the nightmare of reflux with their bubs. Many saw significant improvements after less than a week of switching to this formula. (Suitable for full-term newborns but not for premature babies, this formula should be used only on a healthcare professional’s advice.)
During testing, we found Aptamil Anti-Reflux a little thicker than standard formula. Consistency-wise, it’s similar to other comfort and extra-hungry formulas in our roundup.
We gave it extra points for its clip-top lid with a handy scoop attached — just the thing for preparing bottles one-handed.
Key specifications
| Type | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | DHA (Omega 3)
Carob Bean Gum Includes fish oil Includes palm oil |
| Size | 800g |
| Key features & performance | Halal-certified
Carob Bean Gum thickens formula to help feed stay down Specifically designed for babies with frequent reflux and regurgitation Includes a 28% fermented-dairy-based blend Not to be used with antacids or other thickeners Talk to a GP, Health Visitor or midwife before using this formula |
Best ready-mixed formula milk
HiPP Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk Ready-to-Feed Formula
Lugging around a giant tin of formula on days out or trying to squeeze one into your suitcase for a holiday isn’t practical — which is why we love the convenience of this ready-mixed baby formula.
Available in various bottle sizes, the HiPP Organic milk is pre-prepared and only needs to be poured into a sterilised bottle. Be sure to give it a solid shake first, as we noticed residue can settle at the bottom otherwise. You can even give it to your baby at room temperature, though we found most babies preferred it slightly warmed.
The HiPP Organic milk was perfect for chucking in our changing bag for on-the-go. We tested both sizes and found the smaller bottles ideal for one-off feeds, while the 470ml was great for multiple babies.
While convenient, this formula can get expensive, so it may be best for occasional use unless you have the budget for regular purchases. On the plus side, its organic ingredients and environmentally conscious focus make it a ‘more clean and green option for your baby’s first formula,’ according to RDN Leah Oladitan.
Key specifications
| Type | Ready-mixed milk formula |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | DHA (Omega 3)
Includes fish oil No palm oil Organic ingredients |
| Size | 90ml, 200ml and 470ml bottles |
| Key features & performance | Ready-to-drink mixture can be poured straight into baby’s bottle
Can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours once opened Fully recyclable bottle and cap |
Best baby formula for travelling
Aptamil Pre-Measured Tabs
Pros
- Mess-free preparation
- Good size for keeping in your changing bag
Cons
- Opened sachets need to be used within a week
- A little expensive compared to powder
Anything that makes life as a parent easier gets points in our book, and we think these pre-measured formula tabs from Aptamil are genius.
Each box includes 24 sachets of five tabs, each equal to a scoop of formula. Forget about faffing around with scooping and meticulously levelling your formula during a hazy middle-of-the-night feed. Simply open a sachet, count the tabs you need and mix them with cooled boiled water in your baby’s bottle. Then shake it up, and you’re good to go.
We were initially sceptical about how well the tabs would dissolve, but they melted effortlessly during our tests.
Like ready-mixed milk formulas, these tabs offer excellent convenience for travelling — with the bonus of being lightweight and compact. The best part? You don’t need to refrigerate any leftover tabs. Just clip the sachet or store the tabs in an airtight container and use them within the week.
RDN Leah Oladitan praised the Aptamil Pre-Measured Tabs as a ‘convenient, on-the-go solution for busy parents. These pre-measured tabs are nutritionally equivalent to other powder or liquid formulas, ensuring your baby gets all the essential nutrition without the mess or hassle.’
Key specifications
| Type | Pre-measured formula tabs |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | DHA (Omega 3)
Includes fish oil No palm oil |
| Size | Box of 24 sachets, each containing five tabs |
| Key features & performance | Dissolves like powder formula in water
One tab equals one scoop of formula Contains the same ingredients as Aptamil powder formula |
Which is the closest formula to breast milk?
By UK law, all formulas include the essential nutrients a baby needs for healthy development and are designed to be as close to breast milk as possible.
However, no formula offers the same health benefits as breast milk. Breast milk contains living cells and changes over time to provide the nutrients a baby needs at any specific time — something formula can’t replicate.
What should I look for on the label of baby formula?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Leah Oladitan explains, ‘The laws around baby formula labelling prevent formula companies from including misleading information on the label.’
She advises doing the following when examining tins or tubs of baby formula:
- Examine the back of the container.
- Check the ingredients list to get the best idea of what your baby will be drinking each day.
- If allergens are a concern, check the ingredient list for common allergens. These are highlighted in bold.
- Look at the preparation and storage information to ensure you prepare and store the formula safely.
How do I make powdered formula?
- To prepare powdered formula for your baby, follow these steps:
- Sterilise your bottles and teats. Boil fresh tap water (don’t re-boil).
- Let the water cool for no more than 30 minutes, ensuring it remains above 70°C.
- Wash your hands and disinfect the surface.
- Stand your sterilised bottle upright.
- Add the correct amount of water per the instructions on your tub of formula.
- Add the proper amount of powdered formula.
- Attach the teat and lid, then give the bottle a good shake.
- Cool the bottle under cold running water.
- Check the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist — it should be body temperature.
How do I know if a formula is a good fit for my baby?
‘You can tell if a formula is a good fit when your baby seems satisfied and comfortable after feeding, has regular wet nappies and stools and is growing at a healthy rate,’ explains RDN Leah Oladitan.
What are signs that a formula isn’t agreeing with my baby?
According to RDN Leah Oladitan, signs that a formula may not agree with your baby include ‘consistent tummy upset (such as excessive vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation) and stools with blood or mucus. Babies may also refuse bottles or may not be growing well.’
Does my baby need follow-on formula?
Follow-on formula is designed to be used for babies six months and older. However, it’s not necessary.
First Infant Formula is fine to use for the first 12 months of your baby’s life, by which point they should be getting most vitamins and minerals from solid food. At this age, you can also introduce cows’ milk as a main drink, ideally in a cup instead of a bottle.
How to choose the best baby formula
Here are some things to consider before you buy baby formula:
- Type: Most first infant milk works for babies up to 12 months, but there are options for special dietary needs. Extra-hungry formulas suit hungrier babies, anti-reflux formulas (which are thickened) help with reflux, and comfort formulas are easier to digest for colic or constipation. Goats’ milk formulas are also available for babies who can’t have cows’ milk.
- Ingredients: Baby formulas are largely similar in ingredients and all contain Omega 3 (DHA). If you’re after a vegetarian formula, look for plant-based DHA rather than fish-oil-based. Some formulas are palm-oil-free, too.
- Price: If you’re exclusively formula-feeding (or plan to), costs can add up quickly, so choose a formula that fits your budget.
- Availability: Formula isn’t something you want to run out of, so it’s important to choose a brand that’s easy to find — ideally at most supermarkets. If it’s available only online or through specific retailers, always keep an extra tub on hand in case of stock issues.
Regarding ingredients, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Leah Oladitan recommends not stressing too much. ‘All infant formulas in the UK must meet strict nutritional standards by law to promote your baby’s health and development,’ she explained to us. ‘Don’t worry about trying to find a “nutritionally superior” formula because every formula is designed to meet your baby’s nutritional needs.’
Sarah is a freelance parenting and lifestyle writer with over 17 years’ experience. She has written extensively for national publications and websites — including IndyBest, MadeForMums.com, Family Traveller, Goodto.com, Tesco magazine, The Telegraph and Baby magazine — as well as created content for top parenting, travel and bridal brands. With two young children and her own blog , Sarah reviews and shares her knowledge on the best kid and baby products to help fellow parents make informed choices.
To assist with our research and testing, we sought advice from a child nutrition specialist on using baby formula and the best products to recommend.
RDN Leah Oladitan is a parent and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over fifteen years of experience in pediatric nutrition in the UK and US.
She is the founder of The Child Nutritionist, a website dedicated to guiding parents through the challenges and stresses of feeding children.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link
